AFEX, one of the world’s largest non-bank providers of global payment, foreign currency and risk management solutions, played host to a unique encounter between stars of rugby league and rugby union yesterday in support of Restart Rugby, the official charity of the Rugby Players’ Association (RPA), and Rugby League Cares, the official charity of the Rugby Football League.

Eighteen stars of rugby, past and present, went head-to-head on the trading floor in a bid to see who could place the most currency trades in an hour. Among the players that took to the phones were Ugo Monye (former Harlequins and England), Greig Tonks (Scotland and London Irish), James Downey (former Ireland and Wasps), Adrian Morley (former England and Warrington) and Paul Sculthorpe MBE (former England and St Helens).

In the end it was rugby union who came out on top completing £8.4m of trades within the allotted hour window compared to £5.6m completed by the rugby league players. The highest individual trade was completed by former Wasps and England 7’s international, Mark Odejobi.

In total, the event raised £20,000 for the two charities, helping to fund their work providing players and their families with financial, practical and emotional support during difficult times.

Damian Hopley, Group CEO of the RPA, said: “We’re extremely grateful to AFEX for hosting this fantastic event yet again and also to the players for giving their time and throwing themselves into the trading challenge. Not only are they raising vital funds for Restart Rugby, the official charity of the Rugby Players’ Association, they’re also gaining invaluable, real-world experience working with an RPA Partner.”

Chris Rostron, the Head of Rugby League Cares, said: “All the players who took part in today’s trading challenge had a terrific time and have taken away so much from the experience, especially the ones who had expressed an interest in working in financial services.”

Rachel Hollos, Global Marketing Director of AFEX, said: “The excitement on the trading floor today has been unbelievable and we’re thrilled to have been able to play host to such a unique event. As well as raising money for two great charities, this event was intended to give the players an experience of what it’s like to work in a bustling financial services environment. From what I’ve seen, there are some natural traders among them.”